Accomplice in New Milford burglary charged

Published 12:49 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2009

NEW MILFORD -- A second suspect has been arrested in connection with last Friday's burglary on Sherwood Drive, in which three guns and computer equipment were taken, police said Thursday.

Benjamin Williams, 24, of Goodhill Road, was charged last Friday with first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, three counts of theft of a firearm, three counts of carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle, and three counts of carrying a pistol without a permit.

Police on Thursday identified Williams as an accomplice of Michael Gillece, 23, of Sherwood Drive, who was arraigned Monday in Bantam Superior Court on seven of 15 charges related to the burglary of a neighbor's home.

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Those charges were first-degree burglary, three counts of theft of a firearm, and three counts of carrying a weapon without a permit.

Police learned late last Friday afternoon that Gillece had been spotted downtown with two guns and got into a black Chevy Blazer driven by Williams. Soon after that, police went to Gillece's neighborhood and spotted the Blazer parked a few houses away from Gillece's home, the affidavit said.

Police set up surveillance nearby. They watched Williams, who was in the driver's seat of the Blazer smoking cigarettes, apparently waiting for someone in the house.

About 30 minutes later, Gillece appeared from the back of the house.

Police followed the men to Sunny Valley Road, where their vehicle was stopped.

Police investigators found two stolen semi-automatic handguns in plain view, and a further search found a third gun. Police also found a cutlery knife and computer equipment, as well as jewelry taken from the home.

Gillece initially said the guns belonged to a friend. He later changed his story and confessed he and Williams broke into the house, where he was hired to mow the lawn, according to the affidavit.

Police said Gillece, with assistance from Williams, broke into the house through an open rear window earlier Friday, and when police were watching returned to the house, apparently to complete the crime.

The value of the stolen items was listed as about $2,000.

Williams' court date is Aug. 24.

Gillece is being held on $50,000, lowered from $250,000, and is scheduled for another court hearing Aug. 27.